Best Practice Guide

The life span of aircraft tyres can be extended by following simple guidelines.

• Maintainance of correct inflation pressure
• Consideration of FOD
• Consideration of aircraft operation

Inflation Pressure

Maintaining the correct inflation pressure is the single most important factor in ensuring trouble free operation of aircraft tyres. Pressures should be checked daily. Tyres should be inflated to between 100% and 105% of the operational pressure set out in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). Pressure checks should be carried out on tyres that have cooled to ambient temperatures wherever possible.

Consideration of FOD

As aircraft tyres operate at high loads and high pressures, the can be damaged easily by foreign objects on the runway or by damaged pavement surfaces.

The most common cause of premature tyre failure is foreign object damage. Daily walkaround inspections and regular mechanical sweeping are recommended to avoid FOD related problems.

Consideration of aircraft operation

Tight turning of an aircraft can place high lateral loads on tyre sidewalls. The high lateral loads can damage the aircraft tyre casing and may result in tyre pressure loss.

• Use the largest turn radius that is possible when manouvering on the ground.
• Align nose landing gear in a straight ahead position before starting a manoeuvre.
• The turning radius should be large enough to allow all tyres to roll throughout the turn.

Excessive taxi speed and distance can cause heat to build up in the tyre leading to internal damage. The majority of tyre wear occurs during the taxi phase so speed, braking and turning should be kept to an absolute minimum.